Utah Open Lands - Castleton Tower Preserve and Campground

For Utah locals with a passion for world-class rock climbing, dramatic desert landscapes, and minimalist camping, Utah Open Lands - Castleton Tower Preserve and Campground offers an unparalleled experience. Located on the scenic La Sal Loop Road near Moab, this unique preserve protects the base lands of the iconic Castleton Tower, providing a designated, primitive camping area that is a beloved basecamp for climbers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. This isn't your typical amenity-rich RV park; instead, it's a testament to responsible land stewardship, offering a serene and beautiful setting for those who appreciate rugged beauty and quiet contemplation under vast desert skies.

Managed by Utah Open Lands, a statewide land trust, this preserve embodies a commitment to conservation while allowing public access for recreation. It's a place where the grandeur of Utah's red rock country takes center stage, with Castleton Tower rising majestically above. For those who understand and respect the delicate desert environment, the campground offers a profound connection to nature, emphasizing a "Leave No Trace" ethos. It's a destination for the adventurous spirit, where the beauty of the surroundings and the thrill of outdoor pursuits are the primary draw, making it a truly special spot for Utahns looking for an authentic high-desert experience.

Utah Open Lands - Castleton Tower Preserve and Campground is located at La Sal Loop Rd, Moab, UT 84532, USA. This places it approximately 15.5 miles from Moab on Scenic Byway 128 (River Road), then a right turn onto the Castle Valley road for another 4.6 miles. The campground is found on the left side of Castle Valley Road, roughly a quarter to half-mile after a cattle guard. For Utah locals, this means an incredibly scenic drive from Moab, winding through the stunning Colorado River corridor before ascending into Castle Valley, offering breathtaking views along the way.

The access road to the campground itself is typically an unpaved mountain road, and while generally passable, it might be tricky for larger vehicles or trailers, especially the descent into the grounds, as noted by some visitors. Reviewers describe the approach as easy to find on the road. The location on La Sal Loop Road also provides direct access to a myriad of other scenic drives, hiking trails, and mountain biking opportunities within the La Sal Mountains and surrounding BLM lands. While peaceful, the campground is noted for being relatively close to the road, yet maintains a quiet atmosphere. It's essential for Utah residents to check road conditions, especially if traveling during or after any wet weather, as desert roads can become impassable.

• Primitive Campsites: The campground offers rustic, minimalist camping. Sites are generally on a natural surface, often with good spacing between them, providing a sense of privacy.
• On-site Pit Toilet: A key amenity for primitive camping, an outhouse or pit toilet is available for human waste disposal. Visitors are urged to use this facility exclusively for human waste and biodegradable toilet paper to help with maintenance costs.
• No Open Fires: Due to the high fire risk in the desert environment, open ground fires are strictly prohibited. Campers must use a fire pan or a stove for cooking. Collecting firewood on-site is also forbidden.
• No Potable Water: There is no potable water available at the campground. Visitors must bring all their own drinking, cooking, and washing water.
• No Hookups: There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups for RVs. The site is intended for dry camping. Camper-trailers are generally not permitted on site; it's designed for tent camping or sleeping in vehicles.
• Designated Parking: There are designated parking areas, and campers are advised not to park on the shoulder of the road. No camping is allowed in the parking lot itself.
• "Pack It In, Pack It Out": All trash and waste, including human waste if not using the pit toilet (WAG bags recommended), must be packed out by visitors to preserve the sensitive desert environment.
• Fee-Free Camping (Donations Encouraged): Currently, there is no fee required to camp at the preserve. However, Utah Open Lands greatly encourages donations to help cover maintenance costs for the pit toilet and the overall preservation efforts.
• Limited Stay: Due to increased use, campers are requested to limit their stay to a week or less.

• Iconic Castleton Tower Views: The most significant highlight is the campground's proximity to and direct views of Castleton Tower, a world-renowned sandstone spire famous among climbers and photographers.
• Access to Climbing and Hiking: The campground serves as the trailhead for the approach to Castleton Tower, offering a direct route to its base. There's also a "nice small hike up the wash behind the campsites."
• Stargazing: Being far from city lights, the area boasts incredible dark skies, providing spectacular opportunities for stargazing, as highlighted by multiple visitors.
• Peaceful and Quiet Atmosphere: Despite being somewhat near the road, the campground is described as very quiet and peaceful, offering a serene escape.
• Unique Ecological and Cultural Sensitivity: The preserve protects important ecological and cultural values, offering a chance to connect with a historically significant and ecologically delicate landscape.
• Minimalist Camping Experience: Ideal for those who enjoy a true backcountry feel with basic amenities, focusing on the natural environment.
• Conservation Ethos: Camping here supports and aligns with the preservation efforts of Utah Open Lands, allowing visitors to be part of a conservation success story.
• Scenic Byway Access: Its location on La Sal Loop Road provides immediate access to one of Utah's most scenic drives, with breathtaking vistas of the La Sal Mountains and the red rock desert.

Address: La Sal Loop Rd, Moab, UT 84532, USA

For inquiries regarding the Utah Open Lands - Castleton Tower Preserve and Campground, including current conditions, fire restrictions, or to make a donation to support the preserve, it is best to contact Utah Open Lands directly.

Utah Open Lands Contact Information:

Phone: (801) 463-6200 (Utah Open Lands main office, for general inquiries and donations)

Website: For the most current information, rules, and to learn more about their conservation efforts, visit the Utah Open Lands website, specifically their page on the Castleton Tower Preserve:

www.utahopenlands.org/castleton-tower-preserve

For Utah locals, Utah Open Lands - Castleton Tower Preserve and Campground offers a unique and highly suitable camping experience, particularly for those who value authenticity, conservation, and a deeper connection with our state's unparalleled natural beauty. Unlike more commercialized campgrounds, this preserve provides a primitive, fee-free (donations encouraged) option that aligns perfectly with the "Leave No Trace" principles many Utahns already practice. It caters to the adventurous spirit, offering direct access to world-class climbing and hiking at the base of the iconic Castleton Tower.

The minimalist approach to camping here means less distraction and more immersion in the stunning red rock desert. The absolute silence, broken only by the sounds of nature, combined with some of the best stargazing opportunities in the state, provides an escape that refreshes the soul. While it lacks some modern amenities, the presence of a maintained pit toilet is a significant convenience for a primitive site. For those accustomed to the rugged charm of Utah's wild lands, the challenging access road is simply part of the adventure.

Ultimately, this campground isn't just a place to sleep; it's a testament to responsible land stewardship and an invitation to experience Utah's raw beauty firsthand. It's a place where locals can bring their own water, practice careful fire management (with a fire pan or stove), and leave no trace, contributing directly to the preservation of this incredible landscape for future generations. For Utahns seeking a truly wild, peaceful, and awe-inspiring camping experience, the Castleton Tower Preserve and Campground is an essential destination.

Utah Open Lands - Castleton Tower Preserve and Campground

La Sal Loop Rd, Moab, UT 84532, USA